Illinois Poised to be Major U.S. Solar Player

At a former industrial site on Chicago's South Side, more than 32,000
solar panels slowly tilt every few minutes, following the sun as it
moves across the sky.

Operated by Exelon Corp. (NYSE:EXC) , the 40 acres of panels in West
Pullman is the nation's largest urban solar plant, generating 10
megawatts of clean power and hope for an Illinois industry that has long
waited for its moment in the sun.

"We have been frustrated over the years that solar has not become more
mainstream," said Kevin Lynch, who trains electricians to install solar
panels for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. "We
understand it's still a relatively expensive technology, but the cost is
much less than it was a few years ago."

Indeed, the biggest obstacle to the growth of solar energy -- its cost
-- has started to decline. The price of photovoltaic solar panels
dropped more than 40 percent last year due to a glut in global supply,
according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.(read full article)

NOTE: ISEA is planning a tour of the Exelon West Pullman solar plant. Stay tuned to the events calendar for more information soon!